'Gates of the Goddess': Feminist art, appropriation and "the white imagination"

Abstract

Article speaks to the large-scale work 'Gates of the Goddess: A Southern Crossing Attended by the Goddess' (1986) by Vivian Lynn, discussing its reception from 1986 to the present day, and posits why it has remained in storage. Considers the work's reflection of feminist thinking and art-making in New Zealand in the 1980s, including its use of the goddess imagery. Reflects on the issue of cultural appropriation in the work including Lynn's significant use of Pacific tapa (bark cloth) and critical debate including Lita Barrie, Alexa Johnston, Priscilla Pitts and Nina Tonga. Considers the use of tapa by Pacific artists including Rosanna Raymond, Ioane Ioane, and in group exhibition 'Herstory Diary' (1987). Mentions 'Te Moemoea no Iotefa, The Dream of Joseph' (1990) exhibition at Sarjeant Gallery and Lana Lopesi's 2017 critical review of Francis Upritchard's 'Jealous Saboteurs' exhibition.